Summer days and beautiful Florida weather mean one thing — lots of time spent outdoors. However, with temperatures in the upper 90s and high humidity, you and your little ones can burn yourselves out quickly in the summer heat. The Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin breaks down how to recognize, prevent and treat some common and serious heat-related ailments.
Blisters
This is caused when skin rubs too much against clothes/shoes.
Signs: Small bubble of raised skin filled with clear fluid
Treatment: Cover with band-Aid. Do not puncture, as the unbroken skin acts as a natural barrier to bacteria and infection.
If a blister causes pain, drain it using the following steps. Always consult a doctor.
- Wash hands
- Clean blister with iodine
- Sterilize a needle
- Puncture blister, and let drain
- Leave the skin on top intact
- (this will reduce the risk of infection)
- Apply ointment and band-Aid
If infected, seek medical attention.
Severity rating: X
Heat Cramps
This heat-related ailment is caused by overexposure to heat as well as dehydration.
Signs:
- Muscle cramps and spasms
- Flushed, moist skin
- Mild fever, usually lower than 102℉
Treatment:
- Move to a cool, shady place
- Remove unnecessary clothing
- 3. Place cool cloths on skin
- Fan skin
- Slowly drink a cool sports drink like Gatorade®, which has sugar, salt and electrolytes
- Help them stretch cramped muscles slowly and gently
*Call your doctor to follow up
Severity rating: XX
Heat Exhaustion
This is caused when there is a loss of water and salt in the body.
Signs:
- Muscle cramps
- Heaving
- Sweating
- Pale skin
- dizziness
- Fast and weak pulse
- Fever, usually higher than 102 F
- nausea
- Vomiting
- diarrhea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Feeling faint
Treatment:
- Move to a cool, shady spot
- Remove unnecessary clothing
- Place cool cloths on the skin and fan skin
- Slowly drink a cool sports drink like Gatorade®, which has sugar, salt and electrolytes
*Call your doctor to follow up
Severity rating: XXX
Heat Stroke
This is caused when the body’s temperature control system fails due to extreme heat. This is life threatening and can lead to seizures, coma or even death.
Signs:
- Warm, red, dry skin
- High fever, usually higher than 104 F
- rapid heartbeat
- Loss of appetite
- nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Agitation
- dizziness
- Lethargy
- unconsciousness
Treatment:
- Call 911 immediately
- Remove unnecessary clothing
- Immerse the affected in cool water
- If alert, drink cool fluids
- Fan skin
- Place ice bags in groin area, armpits, neck and back
- Move to a cool, shady place
Severity rating: XXXX
Heat Rash
A skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters.
Signs:
It is more likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts and in elbow creases.
Treatment:
If a rash appears, keep the area dry and use powder.
Severity rating: X
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